The future of the Craig Jones Invitational remains uncertain despite confirmation that the event has secured funding. While Jones confirmed CJI 3 will offer the original $1 million prize, he’s also made it clear his motivation to continue the project is slipping.
In a series of blunt social media posts, the Australian grappler admitted he’s unsure if he wants to keep running the event.
“We have it funded. Just a matter of motivation,” Jones wrote on Reddit. “Been taking on a lot lately and need a break after this one to reassess some things. Been redlining for a while now.”
CJI 2, set for August in Las Vegas, will mark the end of what Jones calls his “farewell tour to America.” The format has evolved from solo competition to a team-based showdown between eight squads chasing one of the sport’s biggest paydays.
Jones has grown increasingly critical of the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu scene.
“The sport is full of some truly vile characters and I’m losing hope that I can change that,” he said. “No saint myself, obviously.”
His comments come amid major shifts in his professional life. He recently left the B Team academy in Austin, stepping away from the group he helped build alongside several high-level athletes.
“B Team as we know it will also cease to exist,” Jones said. “B Team is going to be taken over and rebranded. It’s going to be ran by Nicky Ryan, head coach. Nick Rod will be there. Ethan will be there. Damien will be there. Me, I’m out of here.”
He’s also announced plans to step away from grappling entirely after his super match with Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson at CJI 2.
“After August 31, I don’t know what I’m doing, but you will not see me again,” he said during a recent appearance.
Jones is using a cross-country road trip as preparation for the match, stopping in cities for open mats rather than seminars.
“We’re heading down the entire East Coast. Any of the cities we visit, we’re just popping in for open mats,” Jones explained.
He’s also hinted at health concerns, including elevated blood pressure linked to stress and the pace of his schedule. He plans to address those issues after the tournament.
Funding for CJI 3 appears to be secured through a mysterious backer who has supported Jones since the beginning. Recent photos suggest it may be cryptocurrency figure Roger Ver, often referred to as “Bitcoin Jesus” for his early investment in crypto. Jones shared a picture with Ver captioned,
“Amerikaz most wanted #freerogerver”
— a reference to Ver’s ongoing legal disputes with U.S. authorities.
Ver, whose net worth is estimated at over $700 million, has trained Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for nearly 16 years and recently earned his black belt. His alignment with Jones goes beyond money — both have challenged legacy systems through innovation and bold financial moves.
Despite the funding being in place, Jones has made it clear the future of CJI depends more on his mental state than any outside resource.
“Planning a disappearance and see if I wanna return one day,” he wrote.
With CJI 2 approaching and Jones possibly stepping away for good, the grappling community is left wondering whether one of the sport’s most ambitious projects will continue. The money may be locked in, but the man behind it seems ready to vanish.
Asked what comes next, Jones didn’t give a straight answer.
“Who knows? That’s the mystery. You know maybe we disappear for a while we come back.”
